AFN NATIONAL CHIEF SHAWN ATLEO TO DELIVER KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT CONFERENCE OF
THE AMERICAS ON INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

OTTAWA, Oct. 20 /CNW/ - Assembly of First Nations National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo will deliver a keynote address on First Nation education to an international audience tomorrow at the Conference of the Americas on International Education in Calgary, AB.

First Nations in Canada have made education a national priority. National Chief Atleo's keynote address "New Hope and Opportunities for Strengthening Indigenous Education" will setout the innovative approach to education put forward in the AFN's Call to Action on Education and the position paper First Nation Control of First Nation Education.  It will focus on First Nation education as a benefit to all Canadians, and highlight opportunities for international collaboration and relationship building.

The National Chief will speak to the international audience about the importance of Canada's commitment to endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and how its principles will guide and support the path forward.

DATE:   TIME:   LOCATION:

Thursday October 21, 2010 8:30 a.m. Westin Calgary Hotel, Calgary, AB

The Conference of the Americas on International Education (CAIE) connects potential partners from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean to explore new ideas, opportunities and approaches to education across the hemisphere.  Participants include international education professionals, experts and leaders from around the world.

National Chief Atleo has a Masters of Education in Adult Learning and Global Change and serves as Chancellor of Vancouver Island University, the first indigenous Chancellor in B.C.

AFN launched a national call to action on First Nations education earlier this year with the focus on fair education opportunities and supports for First Nations students. 

The Assembly of First Nations is the national organization representing First Nation citizens in Canada.

For further information:

Jenna Young, Communications Officer [phone] ext 401, [phone] mobile, or [email protected].
Alain Garon, AFN Bilingual Communications Officer 613-241-6789, ext 382, 613 292-0857 or [email protected]